2 Spots Left
An exclusive 9-day itinerant photography tour to discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica with two professional photographers
Share
€ 1.500,00
2 Spots Left
We are in Costa Rica, a natural bridge between North and South America, where biodiversity reaches extraordinary levels. Despite its territory covering only 0.03% of the Earth's surface, Almost 6% of the world's species live here.
Rainforests, towering volcanoes, spectacular waterfalls and wild coastlines create a mosaic of unique habitats. Over 200 species of mammals populate these lands, including sloths, howler monkeys, tapirs and raccoons. But the avifauna this is the real surprising part: with almost 850 species, including the resplendent quetzal, toucans, owls and over 50 species of hummingbirds! Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. Added to this wealth are hundreds of species of amphibians and reptiles, thousands of plants and the highest concentration of orchids in the world.
During this photography tour, you will explore some of the most fascinating corners of this country, immersing yourself in its extraordinary biodiversity for 9 days. You will photograph from the best observation points, accompanied by two professional photographers, a local guide and supported by the Just Explorers team, who will take care of every detail to guarantee you a unique experience.
Don't miss this opportunity, places are limited!
Michele Bavassano
Sharon Vanadia
We will meet in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. After a first night in the city, we will wake up early to begin this extraordinary itinerant tour. Aboard a private minibus, with our driver and an expert local Costa Rican guide always at our side, we will immerse ourselves in the extraordinary biodiversity of the country, optimizing each experience to the maximum.
Our journey will cross several ecosystems, allowing us to explore both the highlands and the lowlands, two completely different environments but equally rich in life.
In the highlands of Costa Rica, around 3,000 meters above sea level, we will enter lush cloud forests, habitat of unique species. Here we will focus on wonders such as the resplendent quetzal, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world, and on the numerous species of hummingbirds that populate these high altitudes. We will be accompanied by guides with years of specific experience, ready to help us discover the secrets of these environments.
From the mountains we will descend to the lowlands, where tropical forests grow just a few meters above sea level. Here we will dedicate ourselves to observing and photographing emblematic species such as toucans, parrots, woodpeckers, the papal vulture and many other wonders of Costa Rican birdlife. We will visit selected areas to ensure the best possible sighting and an optimal photographic experience.
There will be plenty of opportunities for macro photography, capturing spectacular details of frogs, reptiles, insects and other small wonders of the forest.
What else? An immersive experience in nature, adventure, excitement and the opportunity to experience Costa Rica like never before.
Each photo session will be planned with great attention to the location, the light and the background. We will also have special sessions, such as the use of the multi-flash to capture unique moments of hummingbirds in flight and expert-led macro sessions to photograph amphibians and reptiles, including the ciliated viper, the red-eyed tree frog, the pygmy dendrobates (known as the blue-jeans frog) and the fascinating glass frogs. The organization will provide flashes and LED panels to improve lighting and, if you don't have a macro lens, you can have one available for these sessions.
The activities will mainly take place in areas equipped for photography, with optimal distances that make lenses between 300 and 600 mm idealTo get exclusive shots, we will use Photographic huts, perfect for immortalising extraordinary species such as the king vulture and the black vulture, guaranteeing us close-up images in total discretion.
We will also venture into a suggestive hike in the forest in search of sloths, Honduran white bats, owls and many other fascinating species. It will be an immersive experience, with the possibility of photography practically all day, every day, giving us the opportunity to take home an extraordinary amount of shots.
In addition to the comfortable four-star hotel in San José, we will stay in three beautiful lodges surrounded by nature. Here we will often have the opportunity to take photos directly from the terraces or in the magnificent gardens of the structures, true paradises for nature photography, frequented by extraordinary amphibians, birds and mammals.
Each lodge offers double rooms with private bathroom, internet connection, electricity and hot water, ensuring comfort without sacrificing immersion in nature. It is possible to request a single room, subject to availability and with a supplement.
All the selected properties are of high quality and offer breakfasts and dinners in authentic Costa Rican style, offering an experience that combines adventure, relaxation and a deep connection with the surrounding environment.
Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour
I arrive at the Juan Santamaria airport in San José and private transfer to the hotel (about 30 min away).
Here you will meet with Sharon and Michele for a free dinner with the group and an overnight stay.
Check out in the morning and depart to reach the first area of this tour: the Lowlands.
It will take us about 3.30 hours to reach the first lodge. Upon arrival, after settling into the hotel, we will have a group lunch (included in the price) directly from the splendid terrace of the lodge, where we will then spend the afternoon waiting for toucans, woodpeckers and other species.
We will end the day with a group dinner and overnight stay.
Main species that can be observed: Keeled Toucan, Black-billed Toucan, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Capuchin Parrot, Resplendent/Green/Red-legged Honeyeater, Ash-cheeked Woodpecker, Lesser Chestnut-headed Woodpecker and many other species.
Day 3 will again be a day full of photographic activities.
We will wake up at dawn to visit the beautiful lodge feeder again to photograph toucans and more, with the beautiful morning light. Breakfast will be served directly on the terrace during the photo session.
Mid-morning we will move to a new location for a hut photo session dedicated to the rare King Vulture, Black Vulture, Crested Caracara and other species.
We will return to the lodge for a group lunch (included in the price) and then leave in the early afternoon for a new activity on this trip.
We will move about 15 minutes from the lodge to meet a local guide.
We will dedicate the rest of the day to hummingbird photography, using the multiflash technique to create spectacular and dynamic shots.
With this approach, we can freeze the moment of the rapid wingbeat and highlight the bright colors of these extraordinary birds.
Between one shot and another we will also be able to take advantage of the location's feeders to photograph dozens of bird species.
To end the day in style, at sunset, we can also organize for you an extra activity to photograph bats with the multiflash technique. (About €80 per person)
Return to the lodge in the evening for group dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up, breakfast and last photo session dedicated to toucans and other species observable from our feeder.
In the late morning, check-out and departure for the second stage of the tour.
We will arrive at our lodge after about 1.30 hours and after a stop on the road for a quick lunch (not included in the price).
In this lodge, completely immersed in greenery, we will dedicate the afternoon to exploring the area and searching for the famous red-eyed tree frog, symbol of Costa Rica.
In the restaurant area there is also a feeder where we can observe different species of birds such as different tanagers, Montezuma oropendola and toucans.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up early, have breakfast in the lodge and leave for one of the most exciting days of this tour.
After a transfer of about an hour, we will reach the house of a local guide, immersed in the forest.
In this place we will find several well-kept feeders that attract numerous species: hummingbirds, toucans, Montezuma oropendolas, red-legged honeyeaters, various species of tanagers and, with a bit of luck, we may even spot the Basilisk ('Jesus Christ lizard').
In the middle of the morning, we will move into the forest for a short trek among rivers and tropical plants, looking for owls, hummingbirds and, if we are lucky, the famous white bats of Honduras, the Greater Potoo and maybe the sloth.
After the forest excursion, we will return to our local guide's home for lunch, followed by a macro session dedicated to reptiles and amphibians.
We will end this incredible day with the last shots from the feeders, and then return to our lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
After dinner, if you want, you will be free to explore the areas close to the restaurant in search of other amphibians.
Breakfast, check out and transfer to the third location of this tour. We will leave early in the morning to reach our first stop in HighLands.
After about 3 hours, we will reach the lodge where we will spend two nights.
In the afternoon after a free lunch we will dedicate ourselves to the first photographic tour dedicated to Quetzal. For this species we will rely on a top local expert who dedicates his life to monitoring this animal, optimizing the chances of sightings.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Wake up early and leave for the second photo session dedicated to Quetzal. We will take advantage of the experience of our local guide by visiting various hotspots to increase the chances of sightings.
Return to the lodge in the late morning, and photo session dedicated to various hummingbird species and more.
Main species observable: Flame-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, Cyanotus Hummingbird, Emerald Toucan, White-throated Orogemma, Talamanca Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Summer Piranha, Spotted Woodquail and more.
After a free lunch, we will have some relaxation to recharge our batteries and review the images taken so far.
In the mid-afternoon we will leave for the last photographic session dedicated to Quetzal.
Return in the evening, dinner with the group and overnight stay.
Wake up early, check out and move to a new location where we might still spot several species of hummingbirds, woodpeckers, tanagers and even emerald toucans!
After the photographic activities we will begin our journey to San Jose, for the last night in Costa Rica.
Arrival at the hotel, free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and departure towardsJuan Santamaria airport in San José where, having concluded this incredible adventure together, we will say goodbye before the departure of our flights.
For arrival on March 22, 2026, you will be able to land at lJuan Santamaria airport in San José at any time, a transfer will then take you to the first hotel.
If necessary, you can also consider reaching San Jose a day earlier by adding an extra night.
For your return on March 30, 2026, you can choose any flight departing fromJuan Santamaria airport in San José.
If necessary, you can decide to add an extra night in the hotel depending on the convenience of your flights.
Transfers from the hotel can depart at any time necessary.
Any extra nights are subject to limitations due to availability.
Passionate about nature, he travels in search of the perfect shot, exploring pristine areas around the world. Through his camera he tries to share moments and emotions. Michele defines his photography as “A search for art in nature”. He works as a professional photographer and proposes events in the most interesting and important destinations in Italy and abroad. His images have been used by Discovery, BBC, ENEL and have been published in numerous magazines around the world.
Born in Rome in 1994, she has shown a strong sensitivity towards nature since she was young. Graduated in Biological Sciences and specialized in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, she then became a professional photographer. She leads workshops and nature tours all over the world, combining her studies in biology with nature photography. With years of experience in the field, she is followed internationally for her work and her dedication to nature conservation.
Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips
Signing up will be very simple!
Just follow the booking procedure by clicking on "Book now".
Once you have entered your personal data, you will only be asked to pay a deposit, not the full price. At the end of the operation, your registration will be confirmed.
You will then receive a confirmation email once the procedure is completed. The balance will then be requested according to the terms reported at the beginning of the page, usually 90/60 days before departure
To best capture the details and essence of these fascinating animals, we recommend using reflex, mirrorless or bridge cameras, equipped with lenses of at least 300mm. We recommend a macro lens for dedicated sessions and a wide angle if you are interested in taking some photos in the forest. It will be essential to travel with your own tripod.
During this trip you will have an expert professional photographer who will assist you in optimizing the use of your photographic equipment. Our photographer will be there to offer you personalized advice and help you make the most of the potential of your camera and lenses. You will have the opportunity to learn advanced composition techniques, light control, camera settings and more.
During this period, the temperature range is significant. We recommend dressing in layers to stay warm on cool mornings, with temperatures around 5-8°C (Highlands) and very light and breathable clothing for days spent in the Lowlands where temperatures can reach 35°.
More details will be provided after registration.
For arrival on March 22, 2026, you will be able to land atJuan Santamaria Airport in San José at any time, a transfer will then take you to the first hotel.
If necessary, you can also consider reaching San José a day earlier by adding an extra night.
For your return on March 30, 2026, you can choose any flight departing fromJuan Santamaria airport in San José.
If necessary, you can decide to add an extra night in the hotel depending on the convenience of your flights.
Transfers from the hotel can depart at any time necessary.
Any extra nights are subject to limitations due to availability.
By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
JUST EXPLORERS SRLS
VAT number: 01708500556
Address: Via G. Verdi 86 Castel Viscardo 05014
PEC: just.explorers@pec.it
+39 328 856 6896
info@justexplorers.com
Navigation
Contacts
JustExplorers
JustExplorers – 2024
2 Spots Left
